Skip to main content
Appies & Snacks

Leo’s Power Patties


It seems as though we’re ALWAYS on the go in this household … well, I guess that’s because we ARE always on the go! LOL! But lately, I’ve been realizing that because we are so busy, we tend to eat dinner late, so I wanted something for Leo that I could warm up in a flash and something that would still be organic, nutritious and homemade. And that’s when my Power Patties were born!! I mean, he still gets special meals but on those days when I “can’t even” he gets a little Power Patty!

These Power Patties are like a savory granola bar! They are packed with fiber, protein, and vegetables! You can really make these however you want, you can make them vegan, or, if your family likes meat, you can replace the crumbled tofu with cooked turkey and add an egg in replace of the flax egg! I WOULD still add the flax powder in with the meat, however, because it is so nutritious! You can even make these just eggless or just meatless … there really are SO many options for this recipe so feel free to change it up based on your family’s preferences!

While they are awesome because Leo loves them, they are also perfect for adults too! I find myself grabbing them just before I head out the door or before the gym! Not to mention, they’re ridiculously good with a little dollop of mustard on top!! You could also toss the patties in some lettuce along with your desired condiments and toppings and have a delish lettuce wraps!

Jillian Harris Baby Protein Patties-7

Typically I don’t ever add salt to anything I feed Leo but because I’m taking these with me on the go and because both of us are eating them I like to add a pinch of salt and pepper. I also never shy away from spices in my recipes for Leo as I want him to grow up with an adventurous palate. I always switch things up depending on how I’m feeling when I’m making these but sometimes I’ll add in garlic, Italian herbs, chili powder, curry powder. Etc. you can honestly add in WHATEVER spices you want!!

You guys are probably sitting there thinking … ok Jill … let’s get to the recipe … I’m starving and my kids are screaming!! LOL!! Fair enough … here we go!

Jillian Harris Baby Power Patties

Power Patties
Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of each mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and onions (You can use ANY veg that you like!)
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 package of medium organic non-GMO tofu (Any protein can work, such as free range turkey, pasture raised beef, wild salmon or even chickpeas!)
  • 1/2 cup of flax powder (Flax is SO good for you but you can also use 1 free run egg instead of the flax and water mixture if you wish! BUT you have to use one or the other as this acts as the “binder” in the mixture.)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
  • Any desired herbs/spices
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 clove crushed garlic or 1 tsp of garlic powder (Optional)
Jillian Harris Protein Patties Recipe

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Celsius.

2. Cook quinoa according to instructions on the package. Set aside to cool.

3. Finely dice mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and onions. Add diced veg to a large bowl.

Note: You can use any veggies that are in your fridge!

4. Crumble tofu with your hands into the same bowl as the veg, add quinoa to the mixture.

5. Add coconut oil, flax powder, herbs/spices, and garlic.

6. Add a little water to the mixture, you only want to add enough water so that the mixture sticks together!

Note: The ground flax seed, water, and coconut oil acts as an egg and helps with binding the mixture as well as keeping the patties moist. It takes about 5-10 minutes for the flax powder to react with the water so be patient! 

Bonus: Flax seed promotes breast milk production for new mamas!

7. Mix thoroughly with your hands.

8. Spray your baking sheet with oil (I like to use coconut oil) or line baking sheet with parchment paper.

9. Form mixture into mini patties (think sliders!) and line up on baking sheet.

10. Cook for about 30 – 40 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until done (flip halfway through cooking time so they cook evenly).

11. ENJOY!

Also, once my Power Patties are cooked and have had time to cool down, I like to portion them out into ziplock bags (2 per bag) and toss them in the freezer!

Jillian Harris Baby Protein Patties-2 (1)Jillian Harris Baby Power PattiesJillian Harris Baby Protein Patties-26Jillian Harris Baby Power PattiesJillian Harris Baby Power PattiesJillian Harris Baby Power PattiesJillian Harris Baby Power PattiesJillian Harris Baby Power PattiesJillian Harris Baby Power PattiesJillian Harris Baby Power Patties

photo credit

There you have it!! My go-to recipe is now here for you to enjoy!! Make sure to comment below if you’ve given them a try and let us know if you did anything differently!

ENJOY!

xo

Jilly


Leave a Reply to Brooke Credeur Cancel reply

  1. These look great. I can’t wait to make these. Quick question. Where can I get flax powder. Thank you ?

  2. Hey Jillian,

    Love your Instagram stories! Great recipe…a cookbook called “Real Baby Food” by: Jenna Helwig has very similar recipes. My 20 month old loves. And, Leo is right on…should drop all bottles by one and do whole organic milk in sippy. Look at “Mom’s on Call” book by two NICU nurses from Georgia. We had nurses the first 3 months to sleep train and said this book is fabulous. Most Mom’s in the southern U.S. use this book with all those types of questions. Xo

  3. Don’t know where to post this- but since its a Leo themed post I thought here. Does anyone know the name of the CD Jillian and Leo were listening to in the car on her snapchat? It was kids songs that were almost a country version with lots of instruments… Thanks!!

    ps these look amazing and will try for sure

    1. I wanted to know the same thing! Hopefully she will let us know. My son would love it for sure! Husband… not so much haha but anything for our babies!

  4. These look so good! About how long does it normally take you to cook them once they’re in the oven?

  5. Great idea! I watched your insta story on these too, and have to agree with you on being a savoury over sweet person! I’m dairy free and it’s sometimes hard to find protein packed ‘fast’ snacks that aren’t sweet. (Besides carrot sticks, like you mentioned!) Great job.

  6. Hi, Jillian. Just saw your Insta story and headed right over. These look great, but I’m curious as to the cooking time. I know you said until they are “done”, but can you be more specific? I wouldn’t be to worried if you are using tofu and veggies, but with turkey and raw egg…I wouldn’t want to risk under cooking (gross) or overcooking them to hockey pucks.
    Thanks!

  7. Hey Jill,

    Love this idea! What age did Leo start eating these? My son is 8 months old and self feeding a bit but I’m not sure if he could manage these yet!

    Thank you!!

  8. Can’t wait to try this.. Any more ideas for first time mom’s please keep it coming . . It’s hard coming up w ideas for my almost 10 month old

    Ps Wish my little guy wasn’t interested in his bottle anymore lol he has been waking up for 2 feeds lately:(

  9. Judging by the ingredients this seems like a yummy and healthy recipe. Just one question though… How many grams is the tofu?

  10. Hi! If I were to use ground turkey- would I mix it up with everything raw? Or brown it first before adding it to mixture prior to forming patties?

  11. 375° F right?
    I am also super Canadian but don’t think my oven is ??

    Looks so yummy! I will pass it along to my friends with little kiddos!!

  12. Can’t wait to try these! I’ve got a little guy just a bit older than Leo and I bet he’ll love them! Thanks for sharing!

  13. Are you sure it’s 375 celsius? I just converted that into fahrenheit and that would be 707 degrees in the states. So excited to make these for my baby!

  14. Is there something I could substitute for the coconut oil? I’m guessing other oils that are liquid at room temperature won’t work?

  15. Did you ever get answers as to what to feed Leo and how to proceed now that he isn’t interested in his bottles?

  16. Hi Jillian- these look so awesome! Just wondering how I will know when they are done.. are they supposed to be hard like a cookie? Or crumbly?
    Thank you-
    Lara

    1. You don’t want them to be hard … I would say when they start to brown! You want them to still be moist! 30-40 mins on 375 should do the trick! XO

  17. I will definitely make these! I’ve made something similar to these, but never thought to add quinoa and I’ve made mine into balls. Patties are so much more appropriate to say than balls! Haha

    Thank you!!
    Jodi

  18. Hi Jillian, if i want to warm these up at work will the microwave be ok or do they need to be on a fry pan?

  19. Can’t wait to try – I think my kids would love these. We’re new to the tofu world – recommendation on a great brand or are they all basically the same?

    (Also loved the first episode the other night!)

  20. Hi Jillian! I saw your Insta post in regards to Leo not wanting a bottle. My son is a few months older and I’m also a first time mom and had the same “oh no” moment. Nolan didn’t want the bottle around 6-7 months so I switched to the Munchkin bit proof sippy cup and that worked. I would use formula in it for when he was thirsty and when he ate food. Then around 9-10 months he really didn’t want formula anymore so I would do half formula and 3% cow milk so then he was getting his nutrients. At 11 months he didn’t want that anymore so I moved to straight 3% cow’s milk. He is 14 months now and he has only as milk with his food and in between gets water. It’s been like that since 11ish months. He weird with some foods like veggies so I make smoothies with veggies in them and he loves it. I do hear it’s best to transition out of bottles by a year due to their teeth., but I could be wrong on the actual reason. I hope this helps!

  21. These look so good I want to try them! For the protein portion.. It just says one package of tufu.. If you use turkey or chickpeas how much do you use? And do you mash the chickpeas?

  22. Thank you, Jillian, for sharing this recipe! My two year old is going through an elimination diet to find out what is causing a rash on her legs (big five are out dairy gluten eggs soy corn) and this is perfect for a hearty snack!!!
    Excited to make them today!

  23. I can’t wait to give these a try on my LO! If you can do another blog post with other healthy meal suggestions for kids Leo’s age that would be AWESOME! My son is 8 months old and we are so busy that finding time to research healthy meals is a struggle. He isn’t interested in his bottles so much anymore either. Thank you Jillian!!!

    1. Hi Jill,

      Wondering about the tofu portion. Your recipe calls for 1 package. Mine is 350 g. Already crumbled 3/4 into the bowl and it feels like a lot! Can you clarify?

      SO excited to try these!

    2. Hi Jillian! Those look amazing will definitely try those… but I have a question on your quartz counters. Which one is that? I’m looking at doing aspen- white. It looks so similar to yours- I love yours and am wondering if it’s the same?
      ?

  24. Hi Jill! Love this recipe and even more the fact that I can freeze them to eat later when I’m on the go for an easy healthy snack! I tried making these last night but they turned out very liquid and didn’t stick 🙁 I think it has to do with the flaxseed and water..! But I will try them again tonight with chick peas this time as all my tofu went through my bad batch haha!

  25. I am definitely going to try these 🙂 I am always looking for healthy grab & go snacks for me & my kids! Thank you for the great idea! xx

  26. Hey Jillian, I tried the recipe but with egg instead only because I didn’t have flax in the house… it didn’t stick together well… so I wouldn’t recommend it.

  27. It seems as though we’re ALWAYS on the go in this household … well, I guess that’s because we ARE always on the go

    That is a “copy paste” from the beginning of your post…

    Just thought I would tell you, you’re not alone… Any woman, anywhere in this country, who has been or is, a mother, can say the exactly same thing!
    I raised three children during the 70s and 80s. I frequently described my life as a circus, or rather a three ring circus, pun intended.

    I now watch my children and raise my grandchildren, and believe me, they feel their lives are just as much of a circus. A circus filled with love, laughter and wonderful memories. So as I said at the beginning you’re not alone.
    H

  28. HI Jillian! My sister is making the transition to vegetarian and I told her all about your food stories on Instagram. My question for you is, where do you do the majority of your ONLINE vegetarian shopping. And what are the cool spots to pick up some yummy stuff in the Vancouver area (brands or stores would be so helpful)
    THANKS

    Jessica

  29. Just made them with ground turkey and they are amazing! Love how I can freeze them and bring them out for my 9 month old at a moments notice. I was also surprised by how flavorful they were even though I added no spices.

    Thank you Jillian!

  30. Your baby has the most gorgeous smile, I think he will be breaking a lot of hearts when he gets older!!

    1. Hi Jillian.
      These look amazing! Going to attempt these tonight. Just wondering what spices you would recommend putting in them?

      1. Any spices you like!! I just go for what I’m feeling at the time, sometimes it’s oregano, garlic powder, curry powder, etc. Anything your heart desires!! XO

        1. Thank you! I made these last night and I was very conservative with the spices, so they are a tiny bit bland. I think next time I will try adding some apple to give it some natural sweetness and punch up spices. I am brand new to this vegan’ish lifestyle and cooking with tofu. I am loving it so far but definitely a learning process. Thank you for the encouragement and great advice!!!

  31. Hello,
    A few months ago you did a instagram story about a baby food book, can you provide us with the name of it again?
    Thanks!

  32. Hi Jill 🙂

    Just wondering if you think these would work with brown rice instead of quinoa? I’m allergic to quinoa but these look amazing so I’d love to try them. So if you think they’d still work, please let me know!

  33. Hey Jillian!

    I am eager to try this with my little one and just use veggies she has had. One question is have you tried or know if this would work with cous cous?
    Thanks so much!

  34. Hey,

    Was super excited to try this recipe for my 9 month old daughter who is loving finger foods right now! I used chickpeas as the protein and found the ingredients did not stick together very well. When cooked and moved off the tray they fell apart easily. My daughter enjoyed them but they were quite crumbly and messy 🙂

Binge All the Latest JH Posts
My Hearty Green Soup Recipe to Kickstart Your Wellness Journey! Post Featured Image
Vegetarian
My Hearty Green Soup Recipe to Kickstart Your Wellness Journey!
Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy: Introducing the Bunny Twists Recipe! Post Featured Image
Dessert
Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy: Introducing the Bunny Twists Recipe!
My Go-To Green Smoothie Recipe! Post Featured Image
Breakfast
My Go-To Green Smoothie Recipe!